Tourism attractions like the Great Barrier Reef have unlimited potential – but communities which rely on tourism for local jobs are being let down by ageing infrastructure which is not keeping up with the needs of the market.

Labor wants to kick-start a tourism infrastructure boom – and a jobs boom for Northern Australia.

That’s why we will invest $1 billion in upgrading airports, tourist trails and ports to make it as easy as possible for tourists to enjoy all Australia has to offer.

Since announcing our $1 billion Tourism Infrastructure Fund nearly six months ago, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism, Anthony Albanese, and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Jason Clare, have been consulting with industry and local communities on the priorities for the fund.

One thing is clear – locals know what their communities need, and Labor wants to listen and learn from local experts.

The local advisory panel will advise on issues such as:

Building regional airport capacity;

Developing cruise ship infrastructure;

Identifying required road infrastructure;

Attracting international tourists and international airlines into regional centres;

Attracting tourists from Asia;

Developing new experiences and attractions;

Job-creation opportunities in tourism.

Locals who wish to be considered for the panel are encouraged to write to [email protected]to express interest.

The Northern Australia Tourism Infrastructure Fund will be fully offset by the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility – which is yet to invest a single dollar or create a single local job in Queensland.